Good morning Grovers, today is a guest post from Finestcuts in Poland so enjoy, have a nice day, we will update if there is any more transfer news.
Arsene Wenger often cites style when talking about how he wants Arsenal to develop under his tenure. When watching a Wenger team in full flow, playing at their best there is an unmistakable way of playing football that is so typical of Arsenal that both Arsenal fans and those who regularly watch English Premier League football can immediately recognise.
Arsenal aren’t the only team who are referred to as having a particular style of play which distinguishes them from other teams, there are many clubs which have a particular style associated with the way they aim to play the game. One notable example is Barcelona C.F, the current European Champions who play in a particular way, and quite flatteringly, Arsenal have been referred to by many as a mini-Barca.
This is mainly due to the fact that Arsenal have a much younger team than Barcelona yet the ethos is similar, quick short-passing, attacking positional play encompassed with superior technical skill is how both teams aim to both win their games and entertain those who appreciate beautiful football.
Many of us who regularly watch football and have done so for many years can recognise various tactics, styles of play and other variables which play a part in making each match unique. Every match is different, we see various styles clashing and often the tactics football managers employ are credited with winning, drawing or losing a game. Quite often, the analogy of a chess match is used to describe a football game. What do both sports share in common? Quite a lot
actually, I’ll hand over to International Master Edward Lasker ((Chess for fund & Chess for Blood (1962)),
‘Chess is a lot of fun if you bring to it the right attitude and a sense of humour. Of course, what is considered fun depends a good deal on the intellectual level and emotional make-up of the person to be amused, just as in any other type of recreation. I recall a nice comparison a friend of mine once drew between the fun in Chess and the pleasure a smoker derives from smoking his cigarette. One man will smoke one after another just for the kick he gets out of the taste. Another – an Artist perhaps-will blow rings and associate them with forms he has used or might use some day in his work. A scientist, watching the ashes on his cigarette grow longer and longer, might muse on the transformations of energy or the chemical changes taking place in that little roll of tobacco.’
Similarly, there are Chess players who play game after game just for the fight there is in them. To others, the beauty of a combination, the crystal clear logic of a manoeuvre carried through, appeals more than mere victory. A scientist might be intrigued by discovering in the game curious applications which govern the conversion of potential into kinetic energy as the various Chessmen execute their threats. The military strategist might draw parallels between the applications of
his maxims to real war and to the bloodless battle on the chess board.
Incidentally, like football, Chess is played by people of all backgrounds and nationalities, it is a truly international game.
Edward Lasker is the author of a brilliant book called “Chess Strategy” which is aimed at anyone who is interested in being taught by a master strength player from beginner level upwards. Lasker assumes no prior knowledge of chess at all, and best of all the book is available for free to anyone who wishes to search for it online since it was published back in 1915 and the copyright laws have expired therefore it available to anyone who wishes to learn how to play a good game of chess, something thoroughly recommended for those seeking an enjoyable and intellectually stimulating pastime during the
close season.
Back to all things Arsenal. Many question Wenger’s motives for aiming to achieve the style he has set out to achieve. Wenger’s recent transfer policy in particular has been the subject of much scrutiny and debate. “What’s he playing at?” and “What’s he in it for?” are two questions often levelled at his recent policies. This following article published last year covers many of those issues.
Wenger has long been viewed as a manager on the cutting edge of football progress. In fact he is credited with being the mastermind behind the rapid development of the English League. Who can forget his title triumph with the invincibles? He has introduced dietary regimes, psychological profiling and detailed statistical analysis to outsmart and defeat his fellow managers. They have had to follow suit just to keep up with Arsenal, spending hundreds of millions of pounds along the way just to compete in a rapidly evolving elite league. Yet because Arsenal have failed to win a trophy at senior level for the past five seasons, so the same man charged with escalating the quality of the competition to an unforeseen level is also charged with not getting with the times and failing to do enough to maintain previous successes.
Wenger talks about commitment both to the club and to his ideology as being at the core of his values, a trait associated with those who are successful.
W.H Murray describes it as:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”
Is Wenger stubborn? Or is he committed, lets examine the description of both words as explained by the Cambridge Advanced Learners dictionary.
Stubborn: Show phonetics
adjective: MAINLY DISAPPROVING
1 describes someone who is determined to do what they want and refuses
to do anything else:
‘They have massive rows because they’re both so stubborn. ‘
Commit: (PROMISE) Show phonetics
verb [I or T] -tt-
1 to promise or give your loyalty, time or money to a particular
principle, person or plan of action:
[R] Like so many men, he has problems committing himself to a relationship.
The government must commit itself to improving health care.
Once we have committed to this course of action there is no going back.
There is a fine line between the meaning of both words, and in many ways the difference in meaning is down
to the interpretation of the individual, and whether they interpret the situation as being positive or negative. To be committed you must be stubborn when faced with views or influences which oppose your idea of correctness.
Yet stubbornness is not necessarily commitment, it can be seen as a refusal to examine or acknowledge new information which could help you to improve or which challenges your belief system.
I don’t accept that Wenger is stubborn, the fact that Vermaelen and Arshavin have been brought into the club show he is willing to improve the team, and make the necessary adjustments to improve the quality of play as well as the consistency of results.
Who are Arsenal trying to please? Is it Wenger loyalists who will support Wenger through thick and thin (admirably so) because they place their trust in his superior and obsessive knowledge of the game? Or is it the Arsenal fan who has witnessed Arsenal achieving trophy success employing a different style of football which was a means to an end and is perhaps dissatisfied with the current perceived lack of success due to failure to win any silverware over the past few seasons?
That’s a tough one to answer. Although fans should stay loyal to the club they have chosen to support including all staff, there is also room for feedback and it must be embraced since it is a reaction to the current state of affairs. Wenger loyalists encourage us to keep the faith, that Wenger knows what he is doing, and that the current policy of training young players shall amount to future success, and for this to be achieved we must stick to Wenger’s principles of style
and purist football; and that through a particular style and ethos we shall achieve success for many years to come, and
that we must be committed to the ideas set out by Wenger which will be the foundation of Arsenal’s success for decades to come.
Wenger’s approach to football is that you must aim for the best of both worlds, the highest quality of technical football focused on team play rather than individual effort and winning trophies through playing efficiently and creatively using this style of play.
I have no doubt that Wenger will stick to his principles, and many question his ability to bring the club back to a title challenging position, especially in this day and age of Billionaire owners sponsoring their own clubs.
Having a style identical to none comes at a price; a high and a painful price. We’re led to believe that this price has already been paid, that the sacrifices made last season will make us stronger for the future, that the experience our young players have acquired will make them much better players, and that the club shall reap the benefits in the upcoming season.
Arsenal have reached a critical juncture; the much talked of style shall have to deliver silverware or be faced with
the accusation of being the culprit of the destruction of the first team (players leaving to join trophy winning teams) or the blooming “young guns” shall finally bear fruit and we’ll achieve Wenger’s near utopian dream of team spirit where the club will train players from a young age, thus creating team spirit and adopting a certain tactical style of play and club loyalty which many fans yearn for, a feeling that these players play for Arsenal because they love the club, they want to be there and at the same time play the best football in the land.
It’s a huge ambition, I hope it works and that next season Arsenal will not be nearly men, but play the best possible football that wins matches. Is it possible? That’s what the invincibles did, and that’s what Barca did this season. Here’s to the future, here’s to Arsenal’s unique attacking style, here’s to the return of trophy success under Wenger and the final phase of the transformation which shall hopefully be able to withstand both the financial and technical challenges of modern football for many years to come.
Le Grove is now smart phone compatible!
Pedro
Geoff
July 5, 2009 at 09:04
Wow finest, that has the record for the worlds longest post, well done mate!
July 5, 2009 at 09:11
quite a lengthy………
July 5, 2009 at 09:12
there should be countdown box in the side bar… days left for football filled life – no arsenal filled football life
July 5, 2009 at 09:14
morning groovers!!
July 5, 2009 at 09:17
Morning
July 5, 2009 at 09:17
That’s a very dedicated and detailed post there Finest, I salute you sir. I very much enjoy well explained and analytical posts like that one. Let’s hope our idiosyncratic style and development come to fruition this season.
July 5, 2009 at 09:26
Check mate!!! a post and half or what!!just finished reading it started at 9am.
July 5, 2009 at 09:26
Top post there Finest, very well written!
July 5, 2009 at 09:26
The best of all posts, cheers mate! spot on!
July 5, 2009 at 09:26
Great write up Finestcuts. Every ARsenal fans look forward to a rewarding next season, and I want to add that next season is our season, I can feel it, the current Arsenal squads have been playing together for 3 season, it is time for them to deliver.
July 5, 2009 at 09:28
Breath takingly brilliant post Finest.
July 5, 2009 at 09:28
idiosyncratic =explain Chary please?
July 5, 2009 at 09:32
MIRROR: MILAN OFFER 20£m + FLAMINI FOR ADE
What do u think??
July 5, 2009 at 09:32
wow that was long i’m going back to sleep
see u all l8r Federer to win Wimbledon!
July 5, 2009 at 09:33
Mo, I think they’re signing Fabiano…
July 5, 2009 at 09:34
WTF…is this true or made up guys?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/07/05/ac-milan-to-offer-20m-for-emmanuel-adebayor-115875-21495416/
July 5, 2009 at 09:34
Morning all, nice post finest!
So now I am back from Spain and have missed most of the last weeks news I’m ready to read up on all the gossip, exciting headlines and rumours of Arsenal singing one of these star quality and more importantly available stars!!! But oh no, there is not a mention anywhere that Wenger is going to buy some player or at the very least buy some players with still enough time for them to gel with the squad before we have the toughest league start in years heading our way!
July 5, 2009 at 09:34
Nice post Finest.
Watching some of our home games last season reminded me of watching chess games. Especially those stalemate 0-0 draws.
I don’t think we saw enough Wengerball and am hoping this season will be different with a fit squad and a couple of additions.
July 5, 2009 at 09:34
finest with the finest post.
brilliant effort.
July 5, 2009 at 09:35
Top post.morning guys.
July 5, 2009 at 09:36
That is the epitome of lazy journalism!!
July 5, 2009 at 09:36
beautifully written post finest
well done
July 5, 2009 at 09:36
Fuck me why are we messing with Melo when we could get Flamini back plus £20mil???
Don’t make the same mistake twice Arsene, a chance for redemption.
If Milan offered that then they’ve told Flamini they don’t rate him so he won’t stay there will he.
July 5, 2009 at 09:37
mirror says Milan are going to offer us 20 million plus Flamini for Ade!
July 5, 2009 at 09:38
Welcome back TAIG… sounds like an amazing Milan deal… but like the earlier comment… sounds like lazy journalism!
July 5, 2009 at 09:39
Exactly Geoff..what a great deal that would be..20 million would be great to get in a new striker/winger and Cesc would be happy too
July 5, 2009 at 09:48
It can be done with cutting edge soccer and winning matches. To do this the team must with economy of passes and shoot to scor and not indulge in intricate play which sometimes even confuses the gunners players themselves.
Reduce the number of passes and pass quickly and not pass to the death the opposing team thereby giving them time to regroup. How many times have we seen that last season.
July 5, 2009 at 09:49
one of the finest pieces of writing i’ve read in a long time..hats off…a really fluent style and i loved it..you should do this more often….
July 5, 2009 at 09:50
Pedro – Yup. Don’t get me wrong, that would be an awesome deal, but rarely do you get a lot of money for a shit player and rarely does a player admit he made a mistake by returning to his old club. Plus the fact that Wenger doesn’t seem like the sort of guy to take an old player back. If you put all of that together then I just cant see it happening……even if my fingers are crossed!
July 5, 2009 at 09:52
i have a really good feeling about next season…
July 5, 2009 at 09:54
finestcut; long post (as Geoff says the ‘longest’) I did find your analogy very interesting, thoughtful and well written, I did however, loose myself a bit during the ‘chess’ part (could be because I am not that fond of chess, don’t have the patience), but, regained my composure and concentration quickly and yep, really enjoyed the read. Well done finestcut, not easy, I’m sure, to write something that keeps everyone reading.
PS. Do we beleive (ney hope) that Arsene will do the swap with AC Milan, (I am so praying it will happen – PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE)
July 5, 2009 at 09:55
Luis Fabiano is going to AC milan, i cant see anyone buying Adebayor.
But we should bring back the flamster
July 5, 2009 at 09:58
I hope finest is going to be about today to take questions!
July 5, 2009 at 09:59
at the moment melo is looking more likely than flamini..
July 5, 2009 at 10:04
Luis Fabiano has reiterated that he hopes to seal a transfer from Sevilla to AC Milan this summer.
On Friday, the Brazilian’s agent, Jose Fuentes, claimed that Milan have made an official approach to Sevilla for the striker.
Fabiano has pleaded with Sevilla to accept Milan’s approach, despite reports suggesting the offer is below the Spanish club’s asking price.
“I know that Milan have made an offer and I would like for Sevilla to consider it,” he told ABC.
“Until now I’ve preferred to stay on the sidelines, because Milan had not made me any proposals, but now I understand this is an incredible opportunity for me.
“I am happy at Sevilla, but I realise that at the age of 28 there will be few other chances like this for me. Milan are one of the best clubs in the world.”
The Italian giants are keen to bring in an attacker for the new season as they look to replace Kaka, who has signed for Real Madrid.
Further speculation suggests Real attacker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is also a target of Milan, with the Rossoneri eyeing a loan deal.
Ac Milan are not dumb enough over Adebayor now, i think carlo ancelotti wanted him
July 5, 2009 at 10:08
Ade will stay, i cant seem anyone taking him. Melo coming in and eboue going the other way will do me though.
July 5, 2009 at 10:11
AC Milan wanted Ade when they had Kaka, they now need 2 strikers, so I can see why they would still want him, we should sell him and he should go, we’ll never forgive him, he should know that, if he stays and has a great season, he’ll want away next, has Wenger no common sense???
The Flamster loves the Arsenal, he just hated being treated like a cunt and who can blame him? It will save the club buying Melo, we could buy a winger like Hazard and a centre back like Naldo with the change.
July 5, 2009 at 10:12
It is pure lazy journalism,
They had nothing to fill the pages, so went with that.
They know Gooners walking past the Newsagents on a Sunday morning with a hangover, see that and buy their paper. They dont even try and justify with a “reports comming out of italy suggest” or a “source inside AC Milan has said that”
Shame though as that deal would kill two birds with one stone.
Also depsite the early excitement yesterday, I am not convinced Melo is going to happen. There is a lot to go wrong there.
1) Arsenal might not want to give them Eboue
2) Eboue might not want to go to Fiorentina
3) Final offer has not been agreed
4) Melo might not want to go to Arsenal
5) Melo might want to go to Juve
6) Juve might not drag out transfers the way Arsenal do and might match the release clause in the coming hours, days
7) That statement could have been posted to generate a bidding war, and to attract any other interested parties.
July 5, 2009 at 10:12
spot on geoff, i ‘d rather have flamini than melo as i reckon he would take less time to adjust and he is already familiar with all the players and to add to it he is one cesc’s mates…
July 5, 2009 at 10:13
Geoff; bloody spot on!!!!
July 5, 2009 at 10:13
Morning Grovers,
Brilliant post Finest, Geoff can we swap Pedro for Finest?
I think the Ade/Flamini+cash would be a brilliant deal all round:-
1.We get rid of Adebayor
2.We get Flamini our combative midfielder back who is proven in the EPL.
3.We dont take an expensive risk on Melo.
4.Cesc would have his best mate back and stays with us.
5.We keep Eboue our utility man.
July 5, 2009 at 10:15
Good work finest, wonder what your chess white opening moves are?
The Mirror is the worst of the shit top rags slightly better than the Daily star so I wouldnt put much stock in anything the say.
Any fresh news on Melo deal?
July 5, 2009 at 10:17
Morning all.. Good lengthy post to start the sabbath! Re the potential swap involving Ade with Flamini coming back… obviously we were all bitterly disappointed to lose Mathieu because at that time he was quite simply the heartbeat of our team.. we all felt that we would soon be back on the pathway to silverware with him commanding the midfield behind Cesc. The old phrase it’s sometimes better the devil you know strikes to mind and personally if there is any element of truth in this rumour then we should investigate the deal further because with 20 mil in the bank we can seek out the likes of Berg & Hazard or even pay out some serious money for Huntelaar who imo would be a better investment than Melo!
July 5, 2009 at 10:21
Redbearer, good shout mate.
July 5, 2009 at 10:27
Gooner786 which one is Pedro?
July 5, 2009 at 10:28
Mornin All…
great post finest…
wb from sunny spain Taig..
tom
July 5, 2009 at 10:29
I think the rule of guest posts should be the poster has to be on the blog all day, yellow card Finest!
July 5, 2009 at 10:29
Geoff I dont understand what you mean.
July 5, 2009 at 10:31
and Gooner786
Pedro is not up for grabs mate,,,he stays put..nough said
tom
July 5, 2009 at 10:41
Geoff why am I in moderation?
July 5, 2009 at 10:44
Just got up and refused to read THAT
MELO DEAL
the ball is now in our court Fiorentina have made there self clear, if we want Melo give them Eboue and cash
We HAVE to take that deal. we do not need eboue and i would rather have him involved in the swap deal than Senderos
July 5, 2009 at 10:44
I think we have to reluctantly accept that AdEBAYwhore is going to be at our a club and a drain on our wage bill next season.
And this time, I cant blame Wenger, I believe he too wants him out as well. Unfortunately their are no takers.
Ade might think he is not at fault, but I think the rest have the football world have told him what we told him. It is his fault, he is a cunt and a disgrace, and because of his actions, no one else wants him in their dressing room.
So next season is key for him, does he take this rejection on the chin and lower his ego. If he does and works hard on the pitch as well as off it. If he does it might turn out to be a good for us.
I still won’t forgive him, it is hard to forgive a man that can’t accept that his actions were in-defensible and unnacceptable, and let alone forgive a man that cant stand up and appologise.
And what can’t happen is that Ade is still classed as a “will start if fit” player. He has to be put down the pecking order and he has to earn his place and his shirt back.
July 5, 2009 at 10:46
Apologies for the awful spelling and grammar in that last post, I have not been awake long, and that is my excuse and I am sticking to it.
July 5, 2009 at 10:47
great post finest . how is every body its been long time since I have been here. whats up
July 5, 2009 at 10:49
Pat if he has a good season, he will do the same as he did last season.
Wenger should man up, it was Ade that did what he did and Wenger rewarded his bad behaviour, to keep him now will have a bad effect on the team, Arsenal need the fans behind the whole team.
One rotten apple…
July 5, 2009 at 10:54
but will wenger want a player whom he offered what ever amount of money…. and will flamini be willing to have a cut in his salary
July 5, 2009 at 10:57
agree with u geoff on every bit regarding ade
July 5, 2009 at 10:58
pre season training starts tommorow????
July 5, 2009 at 10:58
Excellent post finestcuts. But I think we were playing Wengerball before they were. They just have a bigger wad to play it more defined.
All things being equal, I’d take Flamini before Melo or Cana, etc, God yes, but I have just taken the attitude, forget it he is long gone. Flamini? I bloody miss him, heaps
July 5, 2009 at 10:59
4 min difference and yet i score hatric!!!!
July 5, 2009 at 11:01
July 5, 2009 at 11:06
Geoff
But I dont think we are going to have a choice on the matter. No One wants Ade, he is bad apple that no one wants a bite of.
At least if he has a good season, he might attract interest again and maybe his value may go up.
Look, I don’t want him as much as you, but think we have to get used to the idea….sadly.
But as you say, Wenger can’t reward his actions like last year.
July 5, 2009 at 11:07
Gooner786… what a cheeky fucker!
Yellow card!
July 5, 2009 at 11:07
Welcome back Abnet!
July 5, 2009 at 11:08
Oh no
Can we please make this a Michael Jackson free zone.
July 5, 2009 at 11:11
if the Ade Flamster swap deal is true thas much atrracting than the melo one if we got the 20mil and if can 10 mil on that plas nikki b maybe we can get ribery thats will one a macho biz dont you think
July 5, 2009 at 11:12
Chamone Pat!
July 5, 2009 at 11:13
Thanks for the positive feedback Grovers, I’ve always had difficulty with being brief so thank you for taking the time to read it, and thank you to management for allowing me to write an article for my favourite Arsenal blog.
I normally reside in Warsaw however I am currently in London, I hope to go to the Barnet game, maybe I’ll see some one or two of you there.
Thanks to the management for the slight editing , I forgot to re-read one paragraph and you fixed the incorretly constructed sentence.
Also the paragraph starting. “Similarly, there are Chess players who play game after game just for the fight there is in them. To others….”is Lasker’s and I accidentally added a d to the title, it is Chess for fun
Armourist….as white I play e4 at the moment.
Gnarley, you’re quite right, Wenger has been developing the “Arsenal” style for many years, even before project youth….but now he’s refining and perfecting it.
I would not want to swap with management, they are committed to stimulating daily Arsenal related discussion and bringing Arsenal fans worlwide together to discuss current Arsenal issues and they do a grand job, I am honoured that I have been allowed to write a post and am satisfied with my role as a contributor to this blog, even though of late I have been below the radar.
July 5, 2009 at 11:16
Pedro you dish out cards for fun.
July 5, 2009 at 11:17
Geoff mate..
i think the Ade situation is coming to a close very soon…either he be shipped off….or he has to get down to business…when Wenger goes public..about beeing willing to sell him…thats one hell of a warning coming from Wenger…and if Ade doesnt catch that,,,well then he’s more of a fool than i thought….and from Ade’s perspective there are only two options..get sold…or prove that he can be a team player…
in my book Our Beloved Arsenal is in a win win situation when it comes to Ade…
July 5, 2009 at 11:19
We’ll see if Melo is what we need for our own mid, but from the Confeds, I doubt it. However, he could be a good addition to the club and could be plyed with Song in a similar role he plays for Brazil – helping to initiate attack and disrupting counterattack from the front. But where does this leave Cesc? Play him upfront again? Honestly, I think Cana would have been a better buy for CDM position. Melo is just a taller Dennilson without his tackling success! Buyer beware!
July 5, 2009 at 11:20
Shame, this lad is definately one for the future
Groningen manager Hans Nijland has conceded he expects highly-rated striker Marcus Berg to leave the club this summer.
The 22-year-old is wanted by two Premier League clubs after impressing for Sweden in the European Under 21 Championship in his homeland.
The promising striker won the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s leading scorer with seven goals, after netting a hat-trick in Sweden’s opening match against Belarus.
Serious interest
Nijland has confirmed two Premier League clubs are keen on the youngster, who they have already lined up a replacement for.
“Soren Lerby, the agent of Marcus Berg, has informed us there is a really serious interest from two clubs in the Premier League,” Nijland told the Sunday Mirror.
“We have his replacement already lined up.”
Aston Villa and Tottenham are reportedly leading the chase for the striker’s services, although Everton have also been credited with an interest
July 5, 2009 at 11:21
£45m or whatever for John Terry is a feckin joke!
July 5, 2009 at 11:24
imagin what kind of team we would have if we got flamini or melo and Reberry
big AL
Sagna/TV/Gallas/cli
rebery/cesc/melo(flamster)nasri
AA
Theo(dudu/rvp/vela) I have chosen Theo as our first choice striker b/c we didnt treat him as his potensial if Arsen can treat him as hid for TH14 with early balls throu balls by cesc he has it all to finish that move
July 5, 2009 at 11:26
Paththegooner mate..
Marcus Berg could be an investment for the future agreed,but well i watched every game he played in the U-21’s and the quality there was not great..besides i rate Nicky as a far more proven and talented striker than Berg…and one more thing about Berg he’s quick good finisher(at that level)however he lacks real power…im hesitant over that fella..
tom
July 5, 2009 at 11:29
berg has 18 months on nikki b
nikki b has never had to play u21’s for a prolonged period for denmark… too good
straight into the proper team
July 5, 2009 at 11:30
abnet mate..
Ribery is pure class however he is much like Ade a rotten egg…i hope for God’s sake we dont buy him..sorry
July 5, 2009 at 11:30
Great post Finest. These rumours are driving me crazy… can’t wait to see what enventuates..
July 5, 2009 at 11:31
Emmanuel Adebayor’s agent insists the player has no plans to quit Arsenal this summer.
The Togo international’s future has been the subject of intense speculation since the end of last season with reports suggesting he is unhappy in North London.
AC Milan have confirmed their long-term interest in the player and recent reports claim they are ready to offer former Gunners midfielder Mathieu Flamini in part-exchange for Adebayor.
However, Adebayor’s representative, Stephane Courbis, says the player is staying at Arsenal despite the interest from other clubs.
just read this ;
Asked by Observer Sport whether Adebayor would be leaving Arsenal, Courbis said: “No, no”.
When asked if the striker definitely wanted to stay at the club, Courbis added: “Yes. It’s the same [situation] as last week.”
July 5, 2009 at 11:32
im actually looking forward to watch Nordtveit play again tonite…im growing to like that youngster..tough as a nail…and improving for every step he takes..if any interest ill leave a quick update when the game finishes tonite…
July 5, 2009 at 11:33
The U21s are no judge of a player, last time round Leroy Lita was the top scorer…. Should we sign him?
I think we should…. for £26m
July 5, 2009 at 11:34
tom my men
Ribery is a big fan of our beloved Arsenal so if we can generate that much money for him he will generate 1 cup for us for sure
July 5, 2009 at 11:34
The agents quotes are hardly unequivecal, tho…
Tom;
Yeah, Nordveit looks like he can be a good player for us…. When does the loan deal finish?
ManGo
July 5, 2009 at 11:36
Come on Pat you have to admire the man, he did more than just sleep with children, chill out and watch this video.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=623815974
July 5, 2009 at 11:40
Love LEGROVE. This team is definitely not gunna be worse this season. We are RAPIDLY improving.The experience gained on all fronts last season was invaluable. I am personally excited about how Diaby will emerge out of his summer of extra training. Rosicky and Arshavin together? How can you not get excited about the prospects of this lot together for the first time this season? If they ‘click’ then brace yourselves! Wenger has gone for the big one… and I love him for it. This squad is the nuts- a big family pack of nuts so brace yourselves cos the Arsenal will be putting on a show this season-simple.
July 5, 2009 at 11:42
Franny Jeffers is Englands under 21 record scorer I think?
What a player!
July 5, 2009 at 11:42
Dave and we love you too! Now watch the South Park clip, it’s really funny.
July 5, 2009 at 11:42
ManGo mate
the loan deal expires august 1st..and when asked what he would like to play on for LSK or return to Arsenal..Nordtveit had only one answer…im an Arsenal player…they decide..qiuck answer no fuzz….and when he knocked out a tooth last game..he shooked his head and played on…i think this young man has determination…
July 5, 2009 at 11:43
I don’t know why people think we should sign a striker if Ade leaves anyway… we have them in abundance.
The old Naldo rumour appears to be dead. He looked to be the weaker player out of him and Mertesacker… and no one rated him last year!
July 5, 2009 at 11:49
thats what i’m saying Pedro we dont need a striker we only need one world class player like AA
July 5, 2009 at 11:51
Pat
I used to not mind (I was a punk rocker) Michael Jackson. At this moment in time, he could have had any shiela he wanted , but he chose kids. What the fuck goes on there.
July 5, 2009 at 11:54
Say what you like Gnarley, it doesn’t beat SouthPark!
July 5, 2009 at 11:56
Brilliant post finestcuts…
July 5, 2009 at 11:58
Point taken Geoff. What the hell went wrong with him.
Anyway, what did go on won’t help The Arsenal win the next big one, so…………..moving right along.
July 5, 2009 at 12:01
I really miss the zest of Flamini. I see his neame still mentioned on here. Does anyone really think he may get back, get back, get back to where he once belonged.
July 5, 2009 at 12:02
….& don’t say he stabbed us in the back. He got us to a CL final & was dropped to make way for Ashley , for Gods sake.
July 5, 2009 at 12:04
Oh shit, I’m falling for this paper hype again. I must not read newsnow. I must not read newsnow
July 5, 2009 at 12:05
you are right gnarley, he was made to feel unwanted,i’d have him back
ps. geoff south park is spot on and the “Jefferson” episode is world class!!
July 5, 2009 at 12:12
Great post Finestcuts, I will say that what Barca did was to combine the wonderful products of it’s youth team Valdes, Puyol, Pique (via the mancs),Iniesta, Busquets, Xavi, Messi, Bojan with some ready made proven stars in areas they needed.
———–Valdes
Blank—Puyol—Pique—Blank
———–Blank
——-Xavi——-Iniesta
Messi——-Blank——-Blank
They already had these players in their ranks. Marquez, Silvinho, Eto’o, Abidal, Gudjohnson, Henry which left them with needing a star DM last year, sound familiar?
————Valdes
Puyol—Marquez—Pique—Abidal
————–Blank
——–Xavi———Iniesta
Messi———-Eto’o———Henry
They went out and signed 2 ready made DM’s and a sick RB so they could play their best CD in the centre. Caceres,Keita, Toure, Milito, Alves, Hleb were brought in with Pique returning to the club.
Note to Wenger, they had the most feared squad last year and brought the best players available to fill problem positions and add some great squad options. The real issue for Wenger’s bullshit about killing players is that even having world class players in each position did not hurt Busquets coming through with Jorquera, Sanchez, Buss and Rodriguez coming in to the squad!
Wenger if they are good enough they will make it so stop the bull shit sign where we need it!
Central Defender options there are many but Hangeland is already proven in the PL and was in last years team of the season! Naldo is unpreoven as is Vermaelen go with what we all know.
Defensive Midfielder, they are getting fewer and far between but Cana is one of my choices, Melo looked shit in the confederations cup and Gilberto saved his ass many times (we all loved Gilberto despite his limitations)! Mascherano would be the best but we missed that chance. The DM I would really like to go for is M. Diarra of RM they have the dolphin headed Diarra and 60 other first team players, he has been out injured and for me was a better DM then Essien (although he is the better going forward), he would be available for about 10mil after last year.
Winger forget strikers even if Ade goes we have RVP, Bendtner, Eduardo, Vela, Walcott which is good enough for me, maybe when Valencia looses the plot we can buy him in Januaray as Wenger loves to buy cup tied players. We need to sign Ashley young and IMO should have brought him rather then Walcott, he has tricks to go wit his pace and for me having Walcott on the right and Young on the left would scare the shit out of most teams… …if Villa won’t sell get the diving cheat Robben!
Job Done
July 5, 2009 at 12:13
Made to feel unwanted? Song had a good 2nd half of the season, if he were to be our main DM for CL for whatever reason(like injury, suspension etc) and is replaced by Melo in the final would you feel the same.
July 5, 2009 at 12:13
GG9 where Marseille, seriously though Wenger is waaaaaaaaaaay toooooooo stubborn to buy a player that burned him
July 5, 2009 at 12:16
Mangoonian, Nordtveits loan ended early in January, so could not ply in the CCup, he has great skill, timing and reading of the game but unfortunately the stature of Arshavin
July 5, 2009 at 12:17
although what about Pedro Boethelo the next world class LB, seriously why can we not train some right footed players
July 5, 2009 at 12:19
When did Barca sell the Blank quintuplets?
July 5, 2009 at 12:19
Do you have anything positive to say about anything G8?
July 5, 2009 at 12:20
But Choochie Graham got Martin Keown back. Flamini coming back would be like, well,imagine the reception he got @ The Emirates, 1st game back.
July 5, 2009 at 12:20
Gooner786 Cesc’s best mates Senderos and Hleb
July 5, 2009 at 12:20
FFS! Sooo, even the signing of Arshy gets a G8 specialist negative slant on it… Brilliant
July 5, 2009 at 12:21
although what the fcuk do I know
July 5, 2009 at 12:23
I like mamadou Diarra and have said so many times on here, he has been out for a long time with injury tho, so dunno if that would be a factor..?
As for Naldo? Were we even in for him? Vermaellen is obviously a player that has been scouted for a long time now, so the fact we spent big (for us) on him, tells me, AW and the scouts (and the Brownies) think he is quality.
Hangeland is Prem proven, but would he suit our style? Or be like Cygan?
July 5, 2009 at 12:24
ManGoonian what’s your deal? I never mentioned Arshavin!
as for the blank players I was showing the team from their youth system, which we can’t compete with!
anyway read peoples stuff properly b4 commenting, down sarf we have betta edjumacation
July 5, 2009 at 12:24
Quality enough to get through 38 games & be on top of 19 other clubs. Yes that will the state of play by May 2010.
July 5, 2009 at 12:25
It surprises me that potentially with this squad we can still cry about kids not being able to win and wenger being a stubborn man who only wants to see the success of his experiment even over the success of the club
Al(28)
Sagna(26)-Gallas(32)-Verm(23)-Gael(23)
Rosicky(27)-Fab(22)-Melo(25)-Arsh(27)
RvP(26)-Dudu(26)
Plus
Fabianski, Song, toure, DJ, gibbs, walcott, vela, nasri, denilson.
All young and talented
July 5, 2009 at 12:26
we are going to walk the league next year…i can just imagine the look on andy gray’s face…
July 5, 2009 at 12:27
Suit our style, so having two diminutive defenders who like moping up the balls on the ground but with nobody to head them out is a style… …hmmmm
as for Diarra, it was the first injury in his career, essien had a simular one and he came back as beastly as ever, it would be a gamble but if you knew your history we are a club that has gambled on players with serious issues that have led to great players for the club Bergy and Kanu to name 2
July 5, 2009 at 12:29
Also add Nik,Ramsey and JW to that.
July 5, 2009 at 12:30
Geoff as you said abouut Ade to milan earlier they will need another striker when Pato goes to the Chavs
July 5, 2009 at 12:30
Mayank- the complaints about lack of experience are coming from the team we faced last season with, ie. no Dudu, Rosicky, Melo, Arshavin.
July 5, 2009 at 12:32
Sol + Toure was a very successful partnership, which also allowed us to play a high line which is part of a game. Sol was 6′2″ Verm is 6′1″(or 6′) plus he’s supposed to be good in the air how do 1 or 2 inches make the difference b/w world-class and not good enough.
July 5, 2009 at 12:32
in terms of attacking options we probably have the best squad in the prem…
also i have a hunch we will see fab take oer form almunia before the end of the season….
July 5, 2009 at 12:33
The blank comment was meant as a joke, the fact you didnt bget it…?
You mentioned AW likes signing cup tied players, apart from Arshy, I couldn’t think of another one…
The thing about hangeland not suiting our style is; we play high up the pitch, if the CBs aint fast that can leave us open to counter attacks… And as for the cliche about the current CBs not wanting to head the ball? Apparantly Vermilli loves nuffin more than leapin like a young salmon and stickin his head, arse and elbows where it hurts….
Back to skool….
July 5, 2009 at 12:34
i ahve high hopes for the verminator.. wenger wouldnt shell out 10mill on a DEFENSIVE signing if he was shite..
July 5, 2009 at 12:35
Freduardo at least 2 of those players if not all four should have a relatively injury-free season. I don’t see the point of criticizing a team that wouldn’t have been out there, ideally.
July 5, 2009 at 12:35
Sol was a beast in the air, I remeber feeling secure that every time a long ball flew in it rebounded back out off the big noggin.
Mayang did you ever see that movie White men can’t jump? shit I guarantee you that Song has better ups, shit where is franchise when you need him?
July 5, 2009 at 12:37
Mayank;
We hae already decided Vermaellen is rubbish, we need someone else of we are gonna get relegated
July 5, 2009 at 12:37
ManGoon, I did get it, thanks! Sarcasm is a bit hard to show on a blog… …Adebayor is another one, Reyes is another one!
July 5, 2009 at 12:38
I just want someone to stay back the rest can play with a higher line, we need a row z defender… …not for every game but we need the option
July 5, 2009 at 12:39
Mayank- i wouldnt criticise that, what i have criticised is the way last year we went into the season, having sold 3 midfielders without Rosicky, Dudu, Melo, Arshavin, and rather a front 6 of
Walcott—Fab–Denilson–Nasri
——-RVP—–ADe—-
not criticising next seasons squad just yet mate!
July 5, 2009 at 12:39
i hope chelsea buy pirlo….that would be the worst signing they oculd make…
July 5, 2009 at 12:39
G8;
My understanding is that Vermilli IS that kinda player… Why else would we sign him? We already have enough mopper-upper-rers… Thats a technical term, BTW
July 5, 2009 at 12:40
Not that he is rubbish, just that we do not know anything about him playing at this level, jeezus the dutch league is so hit and miss for every van Nistelrooy there are Kezman’s and Alvez or for every Jaap Stam, there is a Boularooz
July 5, 2009 at 12:40
with backups of Eboue, Song, Eboue and Bendtner
July 5, 2009 at 12:41
Umm if one stays back what happens to the offside trap? Cunts like Drogba beside Torres will murder us, not to mention the counter attacking mancs. You either have a high line or you have a deep one you can’t have both.
July 5, 2009 at 12:43
Well, we are just gonna have to trust in him aint we? No point getting all jittery coz none of us knows much about him… But, as I said, it would be very surprising if Vermilli hasnt been scouted dozens of times and a load of research n shit aint been carried out. He aint a punt, like Stepanivs (shudder) he has cost us serious do-ray-me..
July 5, 2009 at 12:44
i think wengerball requires that we play a high line..a deep defence would just invite them all onto us..
July 5, 2009 at 12:44
Mayank;
Its the old half high, half deep formation;
1-3-4-2…
July 5, 2009 at 12:44
freduardo, last times team has been talked about to death with no answers being found. Did hleb and Flamini stab us in the back, did Rafa back out on a word on the last minute? No-one knows so no point going on about it. Fact is we came 4th and went to 2 s/f in what could have been a disastrous year.
July 5, 2009 at 12:45
Mayank yes I know, but in set pieces he would be invaluable, anyway Mangoonian I don’t see where he would play unless Gallas leaves so that means we will need another defender for sure, right I am off for brunch l8ers
July 5, 2009 at 12:46
oh and btw we do not really know how much he cost as he was signed for an undisclosed fee and signed on a long term contract.
July 5, 2009 at 12:47
fair enough Mayank, but it was really last year that the ‘too inexperienced’ label was really apt. if we buy Melo (or another respected CM) and as we should have Rosicky, Arshavin and Dudu (all experienced quality players) this season, then i for one will not be complaining on that count.
July 5, 2009 at 12:48
In clichy gallas(?) toure and sagna we have 4 very fast defenders who can get back faster than the oppo strikers which allows us to play very high. A slow man mountain would not be able to do that and would render the offside trap useless, leaves us neither here nor there.
Again if we’ve bought the most expensive defender in our history he must be worth it.
July 5, 2009 at 12:48
Ajax disclosed the transfer fee G8!
Gallas or Kolo may indeed leave, that hasnt happened yet, so using that as a factor aint an option, yet.
July 5, 2009 at 12:49
( i did last year tho
)
July 5, 2009 at 12:51
Cmon if Man U can stick berba on the bench surely toure can do it for us? Also with our injuries he’ll probably get 40 games or more.
July 5, 2009 at 12:51
from what i have seen vermaelen is an all round defender..he is pretty good in the air but not exceptional but has reasonable pace and is good technically..
he would be best epitomized by the phrase
jack of all trades ,master of none..
he would do well for us and oculd be world class with a little more experience..however i doubt wenger would spend 11mill on a hunch..he is probably confident that he is good enough and that is enough for me.
July 5, 2009 at 12:53
Why the fuck does WEnger employ all those scouts, when he could’ve had Rohan do the job for free….
July 5, 2009 at 12:58
haha mangoonian , it’s just that i’ve quite a liking for the dutch league and they tend to show a lot of their matches here in abu dhabi…
another one i would take in a blink of an eye would be affellay if we are looking for a tricky player who can play on either wing…
there is also this player call van der gun..i would buy him just for his name..
July 5, 2009 at 13:01
BREAKING NEWS ON SSN:-
ARSENAL SACK CHIEF SCOUT STEVE ROWLEY AND IS REPLACED BY LE GROVER ROHAN!!!!!!!!
July 5, 2009 at 13:01
Hi Rohan
How many Arsenal games are televised over in Abu Dhabi? I may be coming over that way in the future so it is always good to know if you get to see the Arsenal whilst in town.
July 5, 2009 at 13:02
so is tony adams still scouting for wenger ?
was he scouting melo when he mentioned wenger looking for someone based in italy..
July 5, 2009 at 13:05
Depends which Tony Adams you are talking about.
I am a little concerned about his sanity at the moment, he seems to have quite a few personalities going on in his head. Real shame,
July 5, 2009 at 13:05
oh yea you could watch any and every arsenal game here… it is just a tad bit ecpensive but i reckon you could catch it in a pub/cafe..
cheers
July 5, 2009 at 13:06
expensive*
July 5, 2009 at 13:07
Cheers Rohan
Is there an Arsenal Supporters club out there?
July 5, 2009 at 13:10
maybe in dubai not sure…
arsenal arent the most popular..people here tend to go with the club that spends the most money/has the biggest names..
you will see that people change their allegiances more often than not. RM,barca and manu are the most popular followed by chelsea and the 2 milans..
man city are also catching up given that this is in some ways their home base..
July 5, 2009 at 13:13
yep i checked, there is one in dubai ( 2 hour drive form abu dhabi )..they basically meet up to watch games at a local pub..around 50 members.
July 5, 2009 at 13:15
sorry 20 members..tiny really.
http://www.dubai-gooners.i8.com/
July 5, 2009 at 13:16
Cheers Rohan
Sounds like Hong Kong,
When I used to live out there, I knew some locals that changed clubs half way through the season, Absolute madness.
I take it that the fact we play at the Emirates Stadium has no bearing at all then….
July 5, 2009 at 13:20
haha…they are more obsessed with the money aspect of it..they think that a player is twice as good as another if he cost double the amount..
it shows when they talk about transfers and focus more on the actual amount than the player…
but most of the expats are cool though..
but the number of amncs would surprise you.
July 5, 2009 at 13:30
Reading this i actually think its better in india supporter-wise. Most of the fans became fans because of the success but they usually stick to it(lots of disgruntled chavs moving around). Of course there’s the odd nut who supports teams according to the leaderboard but they’re football fans more than club fans.
July 5, 2009 at 13:34
true, it is so much better in india mayank
July 5, 2009 at 13:41
Has anyone noticed that the pictures of the new third kit are of Eduardo as captain!?
July 5, 2009 at 13:42
Yes Passell, it was from whatever game he wore the armband in. Think it was Burnley….not sure.
July 5, 2009 at 13:43
*passenal
July 5, 2009 at 13:43
passenal it is just some clever photoshop work of him during that burnley game at the fa cup where he scored that volley with the outside of his foot..(he was the captain in that game )
surely they didnt tell arshavin to stick his tongue out in fornt of the camera wearing the new kit..it is just recropping of the pictures..
July 5, 2009 at 13:51
haha yeah.. true that!
July 5, 2009 at 13:53
July 5, 2009 at 13:57
So……..any news on arsenal today?
July 5, 2009 at 13:59
Yes, we have signed Melo, Flamini, Hangeland and sold Eboue and Ade….
July 5, 2009 at 13:59
Oh righty…..well thats good news.
July 5, 2009 at 14:03
Afternoon Grovers!
So does preseason start this week?
Someone said Friday… but that seems like an odd day to start work back up?
July 5, 2009 at 14:04
The newsfeed has barely moved…
July 5, 2009 at 14:07
There has been a lot of moaning about the new kits… but I think they’re both quite nice.
Yellow and blue should be the standard though…
July 5, 2009 at 14:10
speaking of pre season, is anyone going to the barnet game?
July 5, 2009 at 14:10
I’ve got tickets A!
July 5, 2009 at 14:12
Nice pedro, might have to be in attendance myself, two weeks yesterday, gonna be amazing! reckon it’ll be on arsenal tv? it just has the avo listing on the fixtures on the official website
July 5, 2009 at 14:13
I also like both of our kits but will only be getting the away one because im not spending all that money on a shirt we wont wear much.
As for the yellow…i usually like the yellow kits but i just didnt really like the one we just had. It was a good idea but i just dont really like it. Maybe its the round next and loud colour. I did however like the 03-04 one but i suppose that was because the shirt had success with it.
July 5, 2009 at 14:13
or is it sold out??
July 5, 2009 at 14:14
Im hoping our matches are on tv otherwise i have no way of watching.
July 5, 2009 at 14:15
Why don’t we start a fuck off Ade petition?
July 5, 2009 at 14:16
nah not sold out, i was just being retarded on the barnet website.
July 5, 2009 at 14:17
Can we sign it more than once?
July 5, 2009 at 14:19
Stu;
I’d be effin amazed if you could sign anything….
July 5, 2009 at 14:19
I’ll draw a picture then. Happy!
July 5, 2009 at 14:21
I don’t know why people get so heated up about kits and use adjectives like revolting and disgusting when they’re so clearly not. Maybe a bit naff at times but that’s about it.
Have to laugh at Arsenal ‘Analysis’. Trying to go agains the grain by pouring cold water on the Melo deal. If he had come across the news first he would have had it up in no time but he’s been slow off the mark and so needs to find a new angle!
July 5, 2009 at 14:30
A, I would be surprised if Arse TV show it. I suspect that’s when they will stop broadcasting.
July 5, 2009 at 14:34
AC Milan To Offer £20m Plus Mathieu Flamini For Emmanuel Adebayor – Report
http://tinyurl.com/ljbetx
July 5, 2009 at 14:41
Doubt flamini would come back to us, doubt wenger would have him back, and not sure he’s what we need, but would make good financial sense
July 5, 2009 at 14:43
Great financial sense A!
July 5, 2009 at 14:44
Geoff
To sell him or hang the lazy fucker
July 5, 2009 at 14:47
Intelligent post there…. I was goin to re-read War And Peace, but feel I don’t need to after reading that…
July 5, 2009 at 14:48
Okay all, I’m so up for this I’ve been inspired to write a new post, so get over there, new post!
July 5, 2009 at 14:50
Parting with Ade and bringing in the old Flame would certainly help to develop the Arsenal style and bring
us some silverware。An extra 20 mill could also help。Do the deal for the future and for our youngster’s sakes。
July 5, 2009 at 14:51
A well thought out post and an enjoyable read. In the passion of the season its easy to think negatively about Arsene and where he is going. Once you can refect in close season you can realise that he most certainly is a passionate man and really does believe that his ‘kids’ will eventually prove him right. The stubborness is also because he is driven as to change now would be to admit defeat. As a lifelong Arsenal fan I want to win things, but I also want to see our team build with raw talent that be a Citeh and just buy any once famous footballer still with a pulse at a ridiculously over-valued price. That just ruins the game, and unless they win everything will lead to very big problems once their congolmerate get bored and move on to pastures new. We are struggling to remain a top 4 team at the moment but look at limited resources offered to him! We now know that he isn’t offered the ‘touted’ huge kitty by the board, so he’s kep us here with his pure footballing mind. Does anybody really think another manager would have done that with the players we have? Again, we can’t buy big, but just a couple of decent players is all we really need to give a better account of ourselves next year, and the youngsters all aigning long contracts shows this young team have the belief they can compete. Looking forward to a better season ahead.
July 5, 2009 at 14:58
Fiorentina are going way over their head now
http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/07/05/1365132/fiorentina-also-want-arsenal-defender-gallas-in-exchange-for
July 5, 2009 at 15:09
I doubt we will see any additions to the midfield this summer…
July 5, 2009 at 18:42
Geoff Says:
July 5, 2009 at 14:15
Why don’t we start a fuck off Ade petition?
——————————————–
fuckin hell , what you think ive been doin for the past 12 months
July 6, 2009 at 10:24
Benny, when you clear a substantial profit each year… I don’t think it is silly to assume that a club like Arsenal should be able to spend what the recoup in transfer dealings.